Help at hand for fire affected farmers and small business

Source: (State MP for Benalla) Bill Sykes Media Release

Nationals Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes, welcomes the inclusion of small business and primary producers within the scope of funding grants available for those affected by the Victorian Bushfires.

“This is a welcome extension to the range of grants currently being offered to those directly affected by the bushfires,” Bill Sykes said. “Small business and primary producers across the State have been hit hard by these fires and it is important that these sections of the community are not overlooked.”

The Victorian Government announced assistance for businesses and primary producers directly impacted by the 2009 bushfires on Wednesday, 18 February. The assistance package is made up of two components:

• Clean-Up and Restoration Grant
• 2009 Bushfire Assistance Loan
  

The Clean-Up and Restoration Grant is a one off grant of $5,000 for immediate repair and restoration costs with additional funds available up to a total of $25,000 for businesses and farmers who have sustained direct damage as a result of the 2009 bushfires. This may include damage to farm buildings, crops, pasture, stock, fencing and/or tools. The Clean-Up Grant will assist in the removal of debris, animal welfare and business restoration as well as the hire of tools, equipment, fencing repairs, materials, trades and services. Eligibility for the additional $20,000 will be assessed on the extent of damage.

The 2009 Bushfire Assistance Loan, accessed through Rural Finance Corporation, will assist small businesses and primary producers whose physical assets have been destroyed or damaged by bushfire. Loans for 15 years of up to $200,000 are available at a concessional rate of 3.2% for the first five years. As well as providing essential working capital finance, loans may be made for the replacement of lost or damaged structures, livestock, fodder and equipment.

“Small business and primary producers are an integral part of our community. I am relieved these groups have been recognised by State Government as needing specific assistance to help with the recovery process after the bushfires. We should be examining every possible means to ensure the rebuilding of rural Victoria has positive outcomes,” Bill Sykes said.

To sign up for business counselling and general business advice contact Business Victoria hotline on 13 22 15. Applications forms for the Clean-Up and Restoration Grant and the 2009 Bushfire Assistance Loan for primary producers and small businesses are available from www.ruralfinance.com.au or call 1800 255 925.

Nursing scars of ‘devil’s’ fire

Survivor backs case for mandatory evacuation

Written by JEFF ZEUSCHNER. - Wangaratta Chronicle 16 Feb 09

MUDGEGONGA bushfire survivor, Bill Culhane, believes mandatory evacuation from properties

Image by iamagloworm via Flickr

threatened by bushfires must come into Victoria.

"They’ve got to look at it," said the invalid pensioner, who counts himself among the lucky ones as the massive Beechworth fire, fanned by 45 degree heat and strong winds, ripped through the district on February 7, killing Mr Culhane’s friends, John and Sue Wilson, and destroying more than a dozen neighbors’ properties.

"It was the fire ball from hell and the devil was riding it," he said.

"There was nothing you could do to stop it....trees were ripped out of the ground in the firestorm.

"Everyone I’ve spoken to would never go through that again."

The fires have ignited debate over the stay and defend policy, and Mr Culhane, having seen what he has, believes laws must change.

"If the days are over a certain temperature and the wind over a certain strength, then I reckon people must have to evacuate," he said yesterday, as CFA crews put out spot fires nearby from backburning operations.

Mr Culhane’s home - the former Mudgegonga Primary School building - was used as an evacuation centre at the height of the fires, which had encircled the area.

His former home at Barwidgee Creek went up in flames, but his two beloved horses in the paddock opposite survived.

However, ‘Timber Jack’ , his four year old gelding race horse, suffered serious burns.

"His legs were badly burnt and it was feared he may lose his hooves, but that isn’t the case," Mr Culhane said.

"He’s still carrying burns, and it will be a long process to make a full recovery."

Mr Culhane praised the support he had received from his Wangaratta Parfitt Road trainer, Stephen Cunningham, who is caring for ‘Timber Jack’, and also Goulburn Valley Equine Clinic, which had waived its $3500 fee for initial treatment of the horse the day after the fires.